Great Lakes Region Finals: Emerging 2028 Small Forwards

The always competitive Great Lakes Region Finals took place this past weekend in the Chicagoland area. It was a great event that featured over 200 teams in the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. I had the opportunity to be in Bedford Park at the Wintrust Sports Complex to take in over 20 games from teams scattered all across the Midwest. Here we will take a look at some of the emerging small forward prospects in the class of 2028 who had good showings through the weekend festivities!    Athletic wing that presented impactful activity on both ends. Runs the floor well in transition and consistently filled lanes for opportunities. Uses size and length to affect defensively and in back court scenarios. Kept pace playing alongside other backcourt guard teammates that speed game up. Confident glue guy that will help make selfless winning plays for team.     Another hardworking glue guy for a competitive Inspire U squad that plays cohesively well together. Goody possesses a strong frame while utilizing it to his advantage. Impressed with the way he crashed the glass for boarding purposes. Allows game to come to him with patience and poise. Liked his demeanor throughout. Brings tough interior presence as well as shooting ability from beyond the arc. Had a couple catch and shoot 3's within offensive flow of late morning game Saturday while continuing to be a work horse on both sides.     Slots into one of team's post players but can fit into wing spot as well with versatility and mobility as a slashing 3. Battles underneath for rebounds on both sides while utilizing wing span and vertical. Liked his timing around the cup to play off 2 feet at times when needed. Poised and disciplined when drawing plus one defenders. Has ability to spread the floor at times and is comfortable on the handle if needed. Ceiling should continue to increase for the athletic forward.     A hard playing prospect that impacts with effort, physicality, and unselfish play. Caught Lennon in early Sunday morning matchup and battled beneath for low post position but could also fit into a wing spot if needed. Rebounded it at a high point on the defensive end and initiates break. Plays bigger than size. Impressed with court vision hitting a couple cutters for back door assists and to another slasher in the lane after retrieving post feed. Brings a lot of energy and will do things outside a box score to help team win.     Caught Dwyer for the second time in as many weekends. Continued to be a well-rounded offensive contributor with size and length at the wing position. Generated a couple catch and shoot threes with smooth releases. Also made a strong backdoor pass for an assist and had an effective cut off of BLOB action. Drew a couple fouls to get to stripe while attacking to the cup. Sound and poised with attributes he provides.

The always competitive Great Lakes Region Finals took place this past weekend in the Chicagoland area. It was a great event that featured over 200 teams in the 15U, 16U, and 17U divisions. I had the opportunity to be in Bedford Park at the Wintrust Sports Complex to take in over 20 games from teams scattered all across the Midwest. Here we will take a look at some of the emerging small forward prospects in the class of 2028 who had good showings through the weekend festivities!